ANYONE starting up a new business in this economic climate is deserving of whatever support we can afford.

Taking a risk in starting a venture that could create jobs for people, when many others are going out of business, is something not many are willing to do but thankfully some are.

So, Glasgow City Council's idea of a rent and rates holiday for start up enterprises is a good idea that will provide some breathing space for new businesses.

The first few years is the most crucial in determining whether a business will survive or not and rent and rates costs are a significant outlay in those years.

Like the Scottish Government's small business bonus scheme, that sees many exempt from rates, this is sure to be welcomed by the business community.

However, for it to be successful it is going to take a considerable amount of cash to pay those rents and rates for enough new businesses to benefit.

That cash must come from somewhere, so unless an outside agency is going to come in and provide more it will have to come from the council coffers, which are already stretched.

It is clear, though, that Glasgow needs more firms providing jobs and if this can help firms survive the difficult early years to become viable long term enterprises it must be a good idea.

ANYONE starting up a new business in this economic climate is deserving of whatever support we can afford.

Taking a risk in starting a venture that could create jobs for people, when many others are going out of business, is something not many are willing to do but thankfully some are.

So, Glasgow City Council's idea of a rent and rates holiday for start up enterprises is a good idea that will provide some breathing space for new businesses.

The first few years is the most crucial in determining whether a business will survive or not and rent and rates costs are a significant outlay in those years.

Like the Scottish Government's small business bonus scheme, that sees many exempt from rates, this is sure to be welcomed by the business community.

However, for it to be successful it is going to take a considerable amount of cash to pay those rents and rates for enough new businesses to benefit.

That cash must come from somewhere, so unless an outside agency is going to come in and provide more it will have to come from the council coffers, which are already stretched.

It is clear, though, that Glasgow needs more firms providing jobs and if this can help firms survive the difficult early years to become viable long term enterprises it must be a good idea.